Intuition

No! Flint snarled threateningly at the Alpha across from him.

Watch yourself, Dolan. I have more to say. Noah replied gruffly.

Flint growled in response. He couldn’t stand still, so he began pacing in a small, uneven circle.

There are many legends in the SilverCrest pack. We hold them close. When the other packs moved closer to the humans, they turned their backs on many of the beliefs of our people. Noah explained.

So what?! What are you saying?! He snapped at him.

We are saying that the elders of SilverCrest will have final say in all that you learn. They possess the information you seek. We can convince them to aid you. He answered in a firm tone.

For what price? Flint stopped pacing to meet the other Alpha’s gaze.

We aren’t sure of this yet. We have questions for you. Noah sat in the snow to watch him.

We may not answer you. He sat across from him.

You will if you want our help. He replied stubbornly.

Ask your questions. He grunted.

Where is Selena? Noah probed.

Why are you asking about our mother? Flint asked suspiciously.

When her bond was broken to StarLight years ago, she rejoined the SilverCrest link. Deny what you will, but her situation has changed somehow. He stated.

She is taking some time away from the pack. He spoke vaguely.

Away from Elijah, you mean? Noah stated knowingly.

We know nothing about it. We assure you that our father doesn’t share the inner workings of his marriage with us. Flint was growing annoyed at the seemingly meaningless conversation.

I believe that. What I don’t believe is that she simply left. Her being part of the mindlink makes me her Alpha. I demand to know of her condition. He spoke commandingly.

You are NOT her Alpha. He stood abruptly.

Then who is? Can you command her? Is she forced to listen to you? Noah lifted his chin.

She-

Is your mother. Not your subordinate. I can feel her in my mind now. She is determined but anxious. He interrupted.

If you can feel her, you know of her condition. Flint growled.

Why did she really leave?! Answer me! Noah snarled and lept to his feet.

She freed a prisoner and fled with him. Flint snarled his answer.

Explain. He barked.

She betrayed StarLight and fled months ago. Technically, she’s a rogue. He answered gruffly.

StarLight considers-

The pack is mostly unaware. Few trusted warriors know. Flint cut him off.

Then I know what I will ask for in exchange for the legend. Noah nodded decidedly.

I’m listening. He retook his seat on the ground.

Pardon her. Leave her to our pack. Her pack. He replied.

What do you expect? That we will stop looking for her? That we will deliver her to you? Flint was annoyed.

We expect that should you find her, you will leave her. You, as her son, may search for her. You, as an Alpha, will not. Noah answered.

Why do you care what happens to our mother? He probed seriously.

We have known Selena since she was born. Her father was our best friend and Alpha. We will protect her like we will protect any of our wolves. She is one of us. He sat and calmed his tone.

You will not force her back to the mountain? Flint asked.

Not now. This is not your concern, in any case. Do we have a deal? Noah probed.

He growled and stood again. It was hard to contain his frustrated energy. The other Alpha watched him for a moment, giving him time to think over the proposal.

Mother. He wants domain over Mother. The wolf pondered.

Noah already has power over her. He has for years. He just doesn’t use it. Flint’s human half answered.

And if he decides to use it, we can still tear him apart. If we agree... The beast growled and cut himself off.

We need his help. If he decides to abuse this agreement, we can handle him then. Flint answered.

We don’t like it. The wolf growled.

We need Noah's help. Eve needs his help. He’s asking for almost nothing. Mother said it herself, she isn’t a StarLight member and hasn’t been for a long time. The human within him reasoned with the wild animal.

The wolves met gazes. The time for answers had come.

Fine. Flint eventually grunted.

I will consult the elders for you. Not today. After the summit. Noah stood.

Flint nodded curtly before running away. He had to use some energy before it welled up too much inside him. Noah watched him leave before heading in the opposite direction. He understood Flint’s need to flee, he too broke into a run.

If she isn’t strong enough to hold the power, she’s already dead.

Noah's words echoed in Flint's mind. He shook his head so hard that he nearly lost his footing. His heart was pounding in his chest and it had nothing to with the run. The large, white wolf dove into the snow only to come bursting out the other side.

As he thundered up a small hill, he opened his mindlink a bit. Just enough that Eve's presence filled his mind. She was feeling odd and stiff but she seemed to be coping. Flint guessed it was because Duncan was following her around.

Still, he reached out further to feel her warmth. It was still there, strong and steady. Yet, the feeling of the power growing within her was unavoidable. It served to remind him of the seriousness of Eve's situation.

She is safe. She is safe. She is safe... The animal repeated the words to himself.

Eve is strong. We are getting answers. His human replied.

Who knows how long the little thing will remain strong? She isn't mighty. The wolf worried.

Without her- Flint began

There is no 'without her'. We will protect her. Even from this. The wolf interrupted him.

We have to. His human agreed in a stern tone.